West Nile Claims It's First Illinois Resident Of 2006

10 more people have been diagnosed with the West Nile virus, bringing the total in Illinois for 2006 to 25. Illinois, which has been on top of the lists when it comes to people dying from West Nile, adds it first of 2006. With the 'more dangerous' part of the summer left, this number will go up.

(SIU Med) West Nile virus can cause severe neurological disease, which is an uncommon although a potentially fatal complication of the infection. Encephalitis is the common neurological presentation although patients can also present other symptoms. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, which can be caused by many viruses. It manifests as fever, confusion, drowsiness, irritability, worsening consciousness and memory loss.

Peak incidence of the West Nile virus is in late August and early September. Incubation period ranges from three to 14 days. Most human infections are clinically without any symptoms.

Common symptoms are malaise, low-grade fever, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, achy muscles, rash and swelling of the lymph nodes. These symptoms usually last for three to six days. Neurological symptoms develop in one in 150 patients. Meningitis, encephalitis (more common) or both may occur. Reversible Parkinsonism features can occur. We have reported two cases of reversible Parkinsonism due to West Nile virus from Central Illinois.